France welcomes the return of the Swatch Girls Pro

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 4 July, 2014 - Some of the world's best surfers have targeted the Swatch Girls Pro France as a pivotal event for 2014. Held in some of the best beach breaks in Europe, Coco Ho (HAW), Justine Dupont (FRA), Courtney Conlogue (USA) and Johanne Defay (FRA) have all confirmed their appearance. Each athlete aims to use the big points and great waves on offer to make this year one to remember.

Coco Ho, fresh off her win in the Los Cabos Open of Surf in Mexico is full of confidence. "I've had a few ups and downs this year in terms of results," said Ho, "but I feel I have turned a corner by winning a 6-Star Qualifying Series (QS) event. I'm looking forward to finishing the second half of the year strongly and the Swatch Girls Pro France will be crucial to that."

The 23-year-old Hawaiian currently sits at number 10 on the ASP Women's World Championship Tour (WCT) rankings, but after the latest win feels she is now ready for more success. "There's a few big events in California next and I'd love to get on a roll before I head to France in August. It's one of my favorite stops on tour so I really want a good performance there."

Also competing with Ho in the Swatch Girls Pro France will be local hope and Swatch Proteam surfer Justine Dupont. Dupont currently sits in the Top 20 on the Women's QS rankings and is eyeing off the Swatch event to gain big points to achieve her goal of qualifying for the WCT in 2015.

"Competing at home in waves I know and love will be an advantage," said Dupont. "Being a 6-Star, it's a crucial one for me. I'll have the backing of the crowd and all my friends and family, so I can't wait. It's always a lot of fun at the event, but also a big opportunity to climb up the rankings."

Current WCT surfer Johanne Defay is also confirmed for the Swatch Girls Pro France 2014. The Reunion Island surfer was runner up in 2013 and is coming off her best result of the year at the Fiji Women's Pro.

"I made the quarterfinals in Fiji and feel that when the waves are good I can match anybody on Tour," Defay said. "With the Swatch event often in held in great waves, I think that will help me. I'm aiming to go one better this year."